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Review
. 2024 Sep;38(3):221-232.
doi: 10.1016/j.bpa.2024.10.004. Epub 2024 Oct 11.

Postpartum hemorrhage assessment and targeted treatment

Allison A Mootz  1 , John J Kowalczyk  2 , Sebastian M Seifert  3 , Daniel Katz  4 , Sharon C Reale  5
Affiliations
Review

Postpartum hemorrhage assessment and targeted treatment

Allison A Mootz et al. Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol. 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide, and mitigating it is a global health priority. In this review, we discuss the measurement, assessment, and treatment of PPH. We review different methods of quantifying blood loss, including gravimetry, calibrated drapes and canisters, and colorimetric techniques. Additionally, we highlight the importance of obstetric-specific massive transfusion protocols, point-of-care coagulation testing, and the role of fibrinogen and tranexamic acid. Lastly, we review placenta accreta spectrum management. Anesthesiologists are critical participants in the management of PPH, ultimately influencing patient outcomes.

Keywords: Blood transfusion; Fibrinogen; Maternal mortality; Placenta accreta; Point-of-care systems; Postpartum hemorrhage; Tranexamic acid.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

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